The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) will soon decide whether India can trade nuclear fuel and equipment with the group's members. The collaboration met in Vienna last week, and is due to meet again in September.

In the 34 years since its first test, India's nuclear programme has been limited by the nation's refusal to put its name to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which all members of the NSG have signed. India wants access to international nuclear trade without restrictions on the growth of its nuclear weapons programme.

A nuclear deal between India and the United States is poised for approval by the US Congress on the condition that the NSG agrees to India's request. Any of the NSG's 45 member countries can veto the application.